Part III - Trouble in Sunnyhell
Spike scanned the room for the light switch; it wasn't that he needed it, simply that he wanted it. It was far better than the dark and dank crypt that he was used to sleeping in. He found the light and switched it on. The basement was for the most part carpeted, with the exception of the small area where there was a washer, dryer, basin and small fridge. There was a small microwave perched precariously atop the fridge but everything looked to be in working order. There was a sofa, loveseat, a couple of chairs, some end tables, a coffee table and a rather large telly. He turned the television on and went back to the Daytime Emmy's. He sat down on the sofa and tried to keep from thinking about Willow.
What was it about the little red head that was getting to him? He wasn't sure. He tried to understand it, but the harder he tried, the harder it became. He growled at himself and returned his focus to the telly. Passions had won some obscure award, but that was still good, in his opinion the show deserved at least something. After the Emmy's were over, Spike sat there flipping through the channels, waiting for the night to pass, not wanting to leave - what was the point, it wasn't like he could hunt anyway. Finally dawn was getting close. Spike stood and assessed his surroundings, covering the two windows that were there just to be safe. It wasn't that they weren't covered, it was just that, as a vampire, one had to be extra careful, lest he be turned to ash as daylight broke. Spike stretched out on the sofa and let the death like slumber take over.
**
All was quiet at the Rosenburg home when Willow awoke. She gathered her things, washed her face, brushed her teeth, dressed, fixed her hair and ran out the door. Classes were all right, but the day seemed to drag on forever. Willow guessed that it was her apprehension about having to go and get Spike blood. She decided that in the most covert way that she could she would ask Buffy how she had done it. She saw Buffy at lunchtime and decided to take her chance.
"Hey Will." Buffy said.
"Hey Buff.... Umm Buffy, I was wondering, and I know this is going to sound totally weird, but while I was researching last night my mind wandered."
"What is it Will?"
"When you were nursing Angel back to health, you went to the slaughterhouse to get him blood right?"
"Yeah."
"Wasn't that odd? I mean didn't they look at you funny or anything? I mean if I had to do that I'd probably faint on the spot or die of embarrassment."
"It's no big Will, really. They don't even ask. I think that they have a don't ask, don't tell policy. I mean think of all the vampires, demons, and whatnot that we have running through the Hellmouth, I bet they don't even think about it anymore. But why was this bugging you Will?"
"I don't know. I just guess that living on the Hellmouth and looking up blood rites and demons and vampires every other day is starting to get to me. I think we all need to take a break from this. I'm sorry."
"It's okay Will. I'd tell you to take a break but during my break between classes, I called Giles, he wants us to meet him at the Magic Box after classes are over. It seems there was an 'accident' and it reeks of demon-y things. So you're great Willow brain is needed." Buffy said with a laugh.
"Alright, see you then Buffy, but I should get going. I've got Shakespearean Ideology next and if I'm late my professor will flip."
"Ok Will, see you at the Magic Box."
"Later." Willow said as she took off for class. After class Willow ran across campus to the Magic Box. There they awaited the details of the latest Sunnydale demon.
**
"There was an attack last night in the park... After Buffy had stopped patrolling. Whatever this thing is, it must have been here a while before making its move to see if there was anyone around to stop it. The body was decapitated as if a great force tore it from its base... * groans and ewws from the group * Oh... Right, Sorry. Anyway, there was also a strange marking found near the body." Giles said as he took out the newspaper and showed them the picture.
"Willow, we'll need you to research this symbol and any demons or other things associated with the sign. I've pulled some books already that might contain the answers."
"Okay." Willow said, looking at her watch.
"Is there a problem Willow?" Giles asked.
"Actually yeah... I have a ton of homework to do, and I'll need to get that done so that I can dedicate full time to this research. Would you mind if I took the books home and got stuff done there?"
"Not at all Willow, of course your school work should come first. Call us if you need or find out anything."
"Will do. See you later!" Willow said as she gathered everything and walked out the door. She walked to the slaughterhouse, and much to her surprise, it had been just as easy as Buffy had said it would be. Though the smell and feel of all of the death around her was about to driver her crazy. She got enough to last a few days in the hopes that Spike would find a crypt by then and would have to deal with these things on his own. She shuddered as she took the brown paper bag and went on her way...
Willow came home with an armload of books from the Magic shop as well as her backpack filled with her work from college. She was also carrying the small brown paper bag from the slaughterhouse on top of the whole mess. The sun was in the process of setting as she was walking home and by the time she got to the kitchen and unloaded the whole mess on the table the sun was set. Willow was so happy that her excuse had worked and hadn't made anyone suspicious. As much as she dreaded the thought of going to the slaughterhouse, there was something about the whole ordeal that was exciting. * Shudder, groan. * Stop thinking like that Willow. You're sneaking around your friends' backs and helping out a notorious vampire. Willow thought to herself. A vampire that's been defanged by the way. UGHHH! If this kept up Will would go insane and that wasn't good.
She was checking to make sure that she had everything she needed notes books and all that when she heard the basement stairs squeak. She almost jumped, but then she remembered that she had a houseguest and that he was on his way up.
"Bloody noisy stairs, make it hard for a bloke to sneak up on anyone." Spike said with a devilish laugh. Willow refrained from smiling as she took the brown bag and placed it on the table before Spike. She then rose and began to gather up her things.
"I'll be in my room doing homework and research if you need.... anything. Just don't bring that up with you...* shudder. * I may have dated a werewolf, and I may be a Scooby, but I am not famous for my ability to handle blood...ugh." Willow groaned as she hurried out of the room.
**
"And here I thought I was going to have to take matters into my own hands." Spike thought to himself. He was almost proud of Red, I mean this surely wasn't something she was fond of doing, and yet she had. He had to wonder why though. He put that thought aside and heated himself up a mug of the red stuff. He'd put the rest of it in the small fridge downstairs and keep his mug there as well. Best to upset Red as little as possible...
**
Willow decided that it would be best to get her college stuff done first, that way she wouldn't have to worry about it later if researching took her a while. It shouldn't be that bad. She was confident about her calculus, and physics was a breeze - of course if the teacher knew exactly how she'd really tested her theories, she might get thrown out for insanity. She wasn't too keen on them finding out that she was a witch and that she was using some of her abilities to test things. It was two way learning, she was learning the physics that she needed to graduate as well as the focus that her magical studies called for. It wasn't cheating was it? Oh God, what if it was... Best not to think of that, just do the work... Besides unless the teacher is psychic I hardly think that she can tell. The last bit of homework she would have to do would be for her S.I. class. Today's homework schedule consisted of chapters to read and or outline problems to solve and questions to answer.
She breezed through her physics and the calculus... Ha! She could do that in her sleep. She thought that her Shakespearean Ideology would be a cakewalk too... However, things weren't that easy. It wasn't that the work was hard, it was just that the chapter was more tedious than the other ones had been. It was as if someone had created this to weed out the good students from the bad ones. The way everything was worded just didn't make sense. But then Willow had a lot on her mind, and schoolwork, though it should be a priority was slipping down the importance list. All she could see was the newspaper clipping of the body that the demon had ravaged. She shuddered. She needed to clear her head. She sighed and sank back against her pillows, and just as she started to relax, there came a knock at her door.
**
"Come in?" Willow called. Spike opened the door and almost timidly walked in. The sight of Red laying there amidst that pile of books like that was absolutely maddening. He quickly put that thought out of his mind.
"Whatcha working on Red?" Spike inquired trying to sound nonchalant and cool.
"Shakespeare. Then I have research to do, there's some demon running amok in Sunnydale and it's up to me to try to find out which one it is." Willow sighed. Spike slowly approached the bed, then opted to take the chair in Willow's vanity to sit on instead. He pulled it out and a safe distance away from Red before he sat down.
"What do you have to read for the Shakespeare thing?"
"Oh it's for my Shakespearean Ideology class... I don't even recognize this passage, and it doesn't seem to make sense, it sounds like he was drunk when he wrote it."
"Bloody well could be. I've heard about the bloke from a few vampires that were around in his days, I'm a bit too young for that, but from what I heard, he was all about the wine and the women. But then, how else do you think he came up with some of those plots? Only a drunkard or someone that was insane could have written some of that." Spike said, his voice laid back as he reminisced.
"You've read Shakespeare?"
"And why shouldn't I have?"
"It just... just doesn't seem to..."
"To fit Spike's bad ass type... right?"
"Well yeah... sorry."
"Well I wasn't always... a bad ass. I tell you this Red; you've got to swear not to tell anyone. Because if you do, chip or no chip you're dead mate."
"Alright."
"I was a poet before they changed me. I studied Shakespeare and all the Greats in the hopes of being like 'em. Didn't get the chance though."
"Were you any good? A-as a poet I mean."
"Truthfully, I was bloody right awful." Spike said with a laugh. Willow joined him in laughter. Her voice small and musical compared to his almost roar. Spike looked at Willow who right now had her eyes shut and her head thrown back as she laughed. The pale white porcelain skin at her throat called to him. Spike groaned inwardly... Hell how was he going to get through this? He wasn't sure, but he was going to stay here as long as she'd let him. Oh he'd look for another place to stay sure, but there was something about her that was puzzling him, and he wasn't leaving until he figured it out or she kicked him out.
The laughter died down and Willow stretched and groaned as she looked at the pile of books before her. Spike cocked his head to the side and looked at her as she sighed again.
"Not up for this right now are you?"
"Not really, but I have to get this stuff done." She sighed. As she adjusted her legs so that they wouldn't fall asleep her foot caught one of the books, knocking it to the floor. The newspaper clipping fell out and fluttered to the floor. Spike picked it up and looked at it as he set the book on the bed.
"This our fellow's work?" He inquired.
"Yeah." Willow said as she watched Spike examine the picture. As his eyes went over the symbol a strange expression crossed his face.
"What's the matter Spike?"
"That symbol, I know it."
"What made it?"
"Members of a very right nasty little cult. The Feyrdrakes. Into blood worship and decapitation and things that Darla even got squeamish about."
"You mean the one that turned Angel?"
"S'right. These blokes are right nasty. They use a Fenryr demon to do the heavy stuff. Blokes are down right hard to kill. You have to decapitate them then burn their bodies, and then bury the head on holy ground. Right nasty, right nasty indeed. And we have one here in good ole Sunnyhell. Better watch out luv, and tell the Scoobies that they might want to let the Slayer and her Initiative poof handle this." Spike said, all emotion drained from his voice. If it was possible Spike had gotten paler.
"We have to call them at the Magic Box and tell them so that they know what they're up against." Willow said her voice worried and her face solemn. Willow leaned over and got her phone and quickly dialed the number to the Magic Box.
"Hello, Giles. Yeah I found something and you're not going to like it."
"What is it Willow."
"Feyrdrakes and a Fenryr demon." She said solemnly. The other end was silent.
"Willow bring the books I gave you back to the Magic Box as soon as you can. I'll call the group and get them over here. We need to make a plan and we need to make one now."
"Ok." Willow said as she hung up the phone.
" We have to go over to the Magic Box now. Giles sounded more worried than I've ever heard him before. Help me gather the demon books and we'll get moving. Shakespeare will have to wait." Willow sighed. Spike nodded and helped Red gather the stuff. Willow grabbed a jacket and ran out the door with Spike close behind.
**
They got to the Magic Box in what Willow would have called record time. By the time she got to the door, she was breathless. The Scooby gang was already there and waiting. Buffy did not look happy to see Spike trailing behind Willow.
"What is he doing here?" Buffy demanded.
"He's the one that figured out what we were up against." Willow said defensively.
"And how did he know we were looking?" Willow looked to Buffy then to Spike and then to Giles. She was in trouble; she was going to have to tell them.
"I bumped in to her when she was on her way from her dorm to her house. She forgot a book or something. The newspaper clipping fell out, I saw it recognized the symbol, and as soon as she was seated, I told her about it. Have a problem with that Slayer?" Spike spat. Buffy looked from Spike to Willow. Her friend just looked lost. Perhaps it was the severity of whatever it was that she knew; perhaps she was hiding something. But there wasn't any time to worry about that. They had a demon to catch.
"Spike, are you sure that that symbol is Feyrdrake?" Giles asked his voice flat.
"Bloody hell I wish I weren't sure."
"Ummm, Hello but for those of us that aren't in on this... What the hell is going on?" Xander said, his voice panicked because Giles was panicked and that was never a good sign.
"Right, well the Feyrdrakes are an ancient sect. They're basically dark sorcerers. They perform blood rites, ritualistic sacrifices, decapitations, you name it, if it's nasty they've done it." Giles tried to explain.
"Ok... we know how to stop sorcerers we can deal right?" Buffy said hopefully.
"Wrong Slayer. To put this into perspective for you... Even Darla wouldn't meddle with these blokes."
"You mean Angelus' Darla?"
"The same. Hell when we were in our heyday and It was me, Dru, Darla and Angelus, we wouldn't even think to cross them, and at that time, we'd have crossed just about anyone for the hell of it and come out on top." Spike explained.
"And what's worse is that they have a Fenryr demon working for them. Blighters are bloody hard to kill. You have to decapitate them then burn their bodies, and then bury the head on holy ground. We're talking hard core stuff here." Spike added.
"But why are they in Sunnydale?"
"Who knows. This place is on a Hellmouth; they might have been drawn here to do a ritual or something. Who knows, it cold be anything." Spike said coldly.
"Alright, Willow, Xander, Anya, Dawn - I want you guys to sit this one out, this is definitely way to dangerous. Riley, Giles, ugh Spike go around town and see what you can find out. These guys can't be laying too low. They've already sent us one message loud and clear. Meanwhile, I'll keep my eyes out for Mr. Hard to Kill and see what I can find out." Buffy said sternly.
"All you Scoobies ought to stick together. Safer that way." Spike said his voice short.
"He's right you know, none of you should go out alone until we find out what these things want." Giles agreed. Buffy shot her watcher a look, but it went on ignored. Soon they were out the door and on their way. The Scoobies stayed behind. Willow felt much safer surrounded by magical objects she could use if it came down to it. They closed up the shop and went into the backroom so that no one would think that they were open.
Anya looked at Xander and then from Willow to Dawn and back to Xander again. In her best attempt at a hushed voice, she spoke... "I wish they weren't here then we could...snuggle."
"Anya..." Xander chided.
"What?"
"This is a serious situation. We can...snuggle later - if we're still alive."
"Why not now? This could be our last chance. If the Feyrdrakes want us or anything from us, we are dead. They'll probably drain our blood using their magic to keep us alive so that we can feel it and then they'll feed us to their pet demon or something."
"That's sooo comforting Anya." Willow said sarcastically.
"Oh, sorry." Anya said sheepishly. Willow was getting restless; she needed something to do, but what? She could dowse for the location of the Feyrdrakes, but if they really were the sorcerers everyone was making them out to be, then that might alert them to something. Then that would mean an investigation and that - that was bad. Willow groaned.
"Why do I have the distinct and disturbing feeling that I'm going to end up being the bait?" She asked herself quietly.
"What was that Willow?" Xander asked, arching an eyebrow inquisitively.
"Nothing, just thinking about how my Shakespearean Ideology homework isn't done yet and that if we don't solve this soon it never will be."
"Oh..." was all Xander said...
**
Spike put his game face on and proceeded to kick the door to the lair in. There was a very startled young vampire on the other side and Spike could sense two more beyond. Since he had surprised the first one, he decided to take advantage of the situation. He picked the blighter up and threw him into the wall.
"Feyrdrakes... Know 'em?" Spike inquired as he picked the fledgling up and held him up off the floor.
"N- no, n-not personally, but I heard they're in town."
"Where?"
"The abandoned mansion on Forest Road. They say that there are catacombs below it." Having gathered the information, Spike tossed the vamp to the ground and walked out, stepping over the rubble from the demolished door.
"Better find a new home or patch that up by morning mate, wouldn't want to greet the sunrise." Spike said with an evil laugh as he walked completely away from the house.
**
Across town, Buffy was having no such luck. Everyone was being tight lipped and the fact that she was the Slayer didn't seem to phase them. She decided to go to the cemetery and kick some vampire ass, that would make her feel better at least for a little bit. She was not disappointed, there were three newbies arising from fresh graves as she set foot inside the hedgerows...
Giles was going to the usual information sites and he was turning up very little that was useful. Everyone in the town, demons or not seemed to be very apprehensive about speaking of the cult. It didn't really surprise him; afterall the Feyrdrakes were very notorious for their... carnal ways. It didn't comfort him to know that they could be out there watching all of them and just waiting for their chance to pounce. Everyone seemed to know the Feyr were here, but no one knew why or wanted to. They just hoped that they weren't the focus of whatever plans the Feyr had in mind. Giles continued on his way hoping to find something... anything so long as it wasn't his foe...
**
Riley walked across the campus and into one of the buildings. True that most of the Initiative had been destroyed but there was still the one part of the complex, and he hoped that someone there would be able to tell him something, even if he had to bust the heads of his former colleagues to get it. He wasn't disappointed, he found a 'guard' standing outside the door.
"Riley, what are you doing here?" The man asked.
"Looking for some information."
"Why?"
"We have a group of very violent hostiles here in Sunnydale and I need to find out all I can about them to help the Slayer defeat them."
"Let us handle it."
"You'll get killed, these aren't the lightweights that you're used to. These guys mean business. The most notorious vampress of all times knew to keep out of their way."
"So why are you trying to get in it?"
"Because someone has to fight them."
"Who are they?"
"Feyrdrakes." The guard's eyes flashed with fear almost panic for a brief moment.
"Heard of them I take it."
"Just that they're brutal. You sure they're here?"
"Had someone id the symbol that was left behind. It was a positive one."
"Shit man. You still use your address?"
"Yeah why?"
"I'll send you whatever I can find out, if I can get to the files. Everything is still in lock down after the mess that happened."
"Yeah I figured. Thanks man."
"No problem. If they are here, you're right, even the Initiative wouldn't be enough, at least in its current condition."
"I just hope that the Slayer is." Riley sighed as he walked away. The guard watched Riley walk away. As soon as he was sure that he was gone, he walked down the corridor and pressed a panel in the wall, which slid open...
"Milord, we have a problem... There's a Slayer in town and they have a positive id on the symbol our minion left behind."
"Fix it."
"Yes sir."
Spike scanned the room for the light switch; it wasn't that he needed it, simply that he wanted it. It was far better than the dark and dank crypt that he was used to sleeping in. He found the light and switched it on. The basement was for the most part carpeted, with the exception of the small area where there was a washer, dryer, basin and small fridge. There was a small microwave perched precariously atop the fridge but everything looked to be in working order. There was a sofa, loveseat, a couple of chairs, some end tables, a coffee table and a rather large telly. He turned the television on and went back to the Daytime Emmy's. He sat down on the sofa and tried to keep from thinking about Willow.
What was it about the little red head that was getting to him? He wasn't sure. He tried to understand it, but the harder he tried, the harder it became. He growled at himself and returned his focus to the telly. Passions had won some obscure award, but that was still good, in his opinion the show deserved at least something. After the Emmy's were over, Spike sat there flipping through the channels, waiting for the night to pass, not wanting to leave - what was the point, it wasn't like he could hunt anyway. Finally dawn was getting close. Spike stood and assessed his surroundings, covering the two windows that were there just to be safe. It wasn't that they weren't covered, it was just that, as a vampire, one had to be extra careful, lest he be turned to ash as daylight broke. Spike stretched out on the sofa and let the death like slumber take over.
**
All was quiet at the Rosenburg home when Willow awoke. She gathered her things, washed her face, brushed her teeth, dressed, fixed her hair and ran out the door. Classes were all right, but the day seemed to drag on forever. Willow guessed that it was her apprehension about having to go and get Spike blood. She decided that in the most covert way that she could she would ask Buffy how she had done it. She saw Buffy at lunchtime and decided to take her chance.
"Hey Will." Buffy said.
"Hey Buff.... Umm Buffy, I was wondering, and I know this is going to sound totally weird, but while I was researching last night my mind wandered."
"What is it Will?"
"When you were nursing Angel back to health, you went to the slaughterhouse to get him blood right?"
"Yeah."
"Wasn't that odd? I mean didn't they look at you funny or anything? I mean if I had to do that I'd probably faint on the spot or die of embarrassment."
"It's no big Will, really. They don't even ask. I think that they have a don't ask, don't tell policy. I mean think of all the vampires, demons, and whatnot that we have running through the Hellmouth, I bet they don't even think about it anymore. But why was this bugging you Will?"
"I don't know. I just guess that living on the Hellmouth and looking up blood rites and demons and vampires every other day is starting to get to me. I think we all need to take a break from this. I'm sorry."
"It's okay Will. I'd tell you to take a break but during my break between classes, I called Giles, he wants us to meet him at the Magic Box after classes are over. It seems there was an 'accident' and it reeks of demon-y things. So you're great Willow brain is needed." Buffy said with a laugh.
"Alright, see you then Buffy, but I should get going. I've got Shakespearean Ideology next and if I'm late my professor will flip."
"Ok Will, see you at the Magic Box."
"Later." Willow said as she took off for class. After class Willow ran across campus to the Magic Box. There they awaited the details of the latest Sunnydale demon.
**
"There was an attack last night in the park... After Buffy had stopped patrolling. Whatever this thing is, it must have been here a while before making its move to see if there was anyone around to stop it. The body was decapitated as if a great force tore it from its base... * groans and ewws from the group * Oh... Right, Sorry. Anyway, there was also a strange marking found near the body." Giles said as he took out the newspaper and showed them the picture.
"Willow, we'll need you to research this symbol and any demons or other things associated with the sign. I've pulled some books already that might contain the answers."
"Okay." Willow said, looking at her watch.
"Is there a problem Willow?" Giles asked.
"Actually yeah... I have a ton of homework to do, and I'll need to get that done so that I can dedicate full time to this research. Would you mind if I took the books home and got stuff done there?"
"Not at all Willow, of course your school work should come first. Call us if you need or find out anything."
"Will do. See you later!" Willow said as she gathered everything and walked out the door. She walked to the slaughterhouse, and much to her surprise, it had been just as easy as Buffy had said it would be. Though the smell and feel of all of the death around her was about to driver her crazy. She got enough to last a few days in the hopes that Spike would find a crypt by then and would have to deal with these things on his own. She shuddered as she took the brown paper bag and went on her way...
Willow came home with an armload of books from the Magic shop as well as her backpack filled with her work from college. She was also carrying the small brown paper bag from the slaughterhouse on top of the whole mess. The sun was in the process of setting as she was walking home and by the time she got to the kitchen and unloaded the whole mess on the table the sun was set. Willow was so happy that her excuse had worked and hadn't made anyone suspicious. As much as she dreaded the thought of going to the slaughterhouse, there was something about the whole ordeal that was exciting. * Shudder, groan. * Stop thinking like that Willow. You're sneaking around your friends' backs and helping out a notorious vampire. Willow thought to herself. A vampire that's been defanged by the way. UGHHH! If this kept up Will would go insane and that wasn't good.
She was checking to make sure that she had everything she needed notes books and all that when she heard the basement stairs squeak. She almost jumped, but then she remembered that she had a houseguest and that he was on his way up.
"Bloody noisy stairs, make it hard for a bloke to sneak up on anyone." Spike said with a devilish laugh. Willow refrained from smiling as she took the brown bag and placed it on the table before Spike. She then rose and began to gather up her things.
"I'll be in my room doing homework and research if you need.... anything. Just don't bring that up with you...* shudder. * I may have dated a werewolf, and I may be a Scooby, but I am not famous for my ability to handle blood...ugh." Willow groaned as she hurried out of the room.
**
"And here I thought I was going to have to take matters into my own hands." Spike thought to himself. He was almost proud of Red, I mean this surely wasn't something she was fond of doing, and yet she had. He had to wonder why though. He put that thought aside and heated himself up a mug of the red stuff. He'd put the rest of it in the small fridge downstairs and keep his mug there as well. Best to upset Red as little as possible...
**
Willow decided that it would be best to get her college stuff done first, that way she wouldn't have to worry about it later if researching took her a while. It shouldn't be that bad. She was confident about her calculus, and physics was a breeze - of course if the teacher knew exactly how she'd really tested her theories, she might get thrown out for insanity. She wasn't too keen on them finding out that she was a witch and that she was using some of her abilities to test things. It was two way learning, she was learning the physics that she needed to graduate as well as the focus that her magical studies called for. It wasn't cheating was it? Oh God, what if it was... Best not to think of that, just do the work... Besides unless the teacher is psychic I hardly think that she can tell. The last bit of homework she would have to do would be for her S.I. class. Today's homework schedule consisted of chapters to read and or outline problems to solve and questions to answer.
She breezed through her physics and the calculus... Ha! She could do that in her sleep. She thought that her Shakespearean Ideology would be a cakewalk too... However, things weren't that easy. It wasn't that the work was hard, it was just that the chapter was more tedious than the other ones had been. It was as if someone had created this to weed out the good students from the bad ones. The way everything was worded just didn't make sense. But then Willow had a lot on her mind, and schoolwork, though it should be a priority was slipping down the importance list. All she could see was the newspaper clipping of the body that the demon had ravaged. She shuddered. She needed to clear her head. She sighed and sank back against her pillows, and just as she started to relax, there came a knock at her door.
**
"Come in?" Willow called. Spike opened the door and almost timidly walked in. The sight of Red laying there amidst that pile of books like that was absolutely maddening. He quickly put that thought out of his mind.
"Whatcha working on Red?" Spike inquired trying to sound nonchalant and cool.
"Shakespeare. Then I have research to do, there's some demon running amok in Sunnydale and it's up to me to try to find out which one it is." Willow sighed. Spike slowly approached the bed, then opted to take the chair in Willow's vanity to sit on instead. He pulled it out and a safe distance away from Red before he sat down.
"What do you have to read for the Shakespeare thing?"
"Oh it's for my Shakespearean Ideology class... I don't even recognize this passage, and it doesn't seem to make sense, it sounds like he was drunk when he wrote it."
"Bloody well could be. I've heard about the bloke from a few vampires that were around in his days, I'm a bit too young for that, but from what I heard, he was all about the wine and the women. But then, how else do you think he came up with some of those plots? Only a drunkard or someone that was insane could have written some of that." Spike said, his voice laid back as he reminisced.
"You've read Shakespeare?"
"And why shouldn't I have?"
"It just... just doesn't seem to..."
"To fit Spike's bad ass type... right?"
"Well yeah... sorry."
"Well I wasn't always... a bad ass. I tell you this Red; you've got to swear not to tell anyone. Because if you do, chip or no chip you're dead mate."
"Alright."
"I was a poet before they changed me. I studied Shakespeare and all the Greats in the hopes of being like 'em. Didn't get the chance though."
"Were you any good? A-as a poet I mean."
"Truthfully, I was bloody right awful." Spike said with a laugh. Willow joined him in laughter. Her voice small and musical compared to his almost roar. Spike looked at Willow who right now had her eyes shut and her head thrown back as she laughed. The pale white porcelain skin at her throat called to him. Spike groaned inwardly... Hell how was he going to get through this? He wasn't sure, but he was going to stay here as long as she'd let him. Oh he'd look for another place to stay sure, but there was something about her that was puzzling him, and he wasn't leaving until he figured it out or she kicked him out.
The laughter died down and Willow stretched and groaned as she looked at the pile of books before her. Spike cocked his head to the side and looked at her as she sighed again.
"Not up for this right now are you?"
"Not really, but I have to get this stuff done." She sighed. As she adjusted her legs so that they wouldn't fall asleep her foot caught one of the books, knocking it to the floor. The newspaper clipping fell out and fluttered to the floor. Spike picked it up and looked at it as he set the book on the bed.
"This our fellow's work?" He inquired.
"Yeah." Willow said as she watched Spike examine the picture. As his eyes went over the symbol a strange expression crossed his face.
"What's the matter Spike?"
"That symbol, I know it."
"What made it?"
"Members of a very right nasty little cult. The Feyrdrakes. Into blood worship and decapitation and things that Darla even got squeamish about."
"You mean the one that turned Angel?"
"S'right. These blokes are right nasty. They use a Fenryr demon to do the heavy stuff. Blokes are down right hard to kill. You have to decapitate them then burn their bodies, and then bury the head on holy ground. Right nasty, right nasty indeed. And we have one here in good ole Sunnyhell. Better watch out luv, and tell the Scoobies that they might want to let the Slayer and her Initiative poof handle this." Spike said, all emotion drained from his voice. If it was possible Spike had gotten paler.
"We have to call them at the Magic Box and tell them so that they know what they're up against." Willow said her voice worried and her face solemn. Willow leaned over and got her phone and quickly dialed the number to the Magic Box.
"Hello, Giles. Yeah I found something and you're not going to like it."
"What is it Willow."
"Feyrdrakes and a Fenryr demon." She said solemnly. The other end was silent.
"Willow bring the books I gave you back to the Magic Box as soon as you can. I'll call the group and get them over here. We need to make a plan and we need to make one now."
"Ok." Willow said as she hung up the phone.
" We have to go over to the Magic Box now. Giles sounded more worried than I've ever heard him before. Help me gather the demon books and we'll get moving. Shakespeare will have to wait." Willow sighed. Spike nodded and helped Red gather the stuff. Willow grabbed a jacket and ran out the door with Spike close behind.
**
They got to the Magic Box in what Willow would have called record time. By the time she got to the door, she was breathless. The Scooby gang was already there and waiting. Buffy did not look happy to see Spike trailing behind Willow.
"What is he doing here?" Buffy demanded.
"He's the one that figured out what we were up against." Willow said defensively.
"And how did he know we were looking?" Willow looked to Buffy then to Spike and then to Giles. She was in trouble; she was going to have to tell them.
"I bumped in to her when she was on her way from her dorm to her house. She forgot a book or something. The newspaper clipping fell out, I saw it recognized the symbol, and as soon as she was seated, I told her about it. Have a problem with that Slayer?" Spike spat. Buffy looked from Spike to Willow. Her friend just looked lost. Perhaps it was the severity of whatever it was that she knew; perhaps she was hiding something. But there wasn't any time to worry about that. They had a demon to catch.
"Spike, are you sure that that symbol is Feyrdrake?" Giles asked his voice flat.
"Bloody hell I wish I weren't sure."
"Ummm, Hello but for those of us that aren't in on this... What the hell is going on?" Xander said, his voice panicked because Giles was panicked and that was never a good sign.
"Right, well the Feyrdrakes are an ancient sect. They're basically dark sorcerers. They perform blood rites, ritualistic sacrifices, decapitations, you name it, if it's nasty they've done it." Giles tried to explain.
"Ok... we know how to stop sorcerers we can deal right?" Buffy said hopefully.
"Wrong Slayer. To put this into perspective for you... Even Darla wouldn't meddle with these blokes."
"You mean Angelus' Darla?"
"The same. Hell when we were in our heyday and It was me, Dru, Darla and Angelus, we wouldn't even think to cross them, and at that time, we'd have crossed just about anyone for the hell of it and come out on top." Spike explained.
"And what's worse is that they have a Fenryr demon working for them. Blighters are bloody hard to kill. You have to decapitate them then burn their bodies, and then bury the head on holy ground. We're talking hard core stuff here." Spike added.
"But why are they in Sunnydale?"
"Who knows. This place is on a Hellmouth; they might have been drawn here to do a ritual or something. Who knows, it cold be anything." Spike said coldly.
"Alright, Willow, Xander, Anya, Dawn - I want you guys to sit this one out, this is definitely way to dangerous. Riley, Giles, ugh Spike go around town and see what you can find out. These guys can't be laying too low. They've already sent us one message loud and clear. Meanwhile, I'll keep my eyes out for Mr. Hard to Kill and see what I can find out." Buffy said sternly.
"All you Scoobies ought to stick together. Safer that way." Spike said his voice short.
"He's right you know, none of you should go out alone until we find out what these things want." Giles agreed. Buffy shot her watcher a look, but it went on ignored. Soon they were out the door and on their way. The Scoobies stayed behind. Willow felt much safer surrounded by magical objects she could use if it came down to it. They closed up the shop and went into the backroom so that no one would think that they were open.
Anya looked at Xander and then from Willow to Dawn and back to Xander again. In her best attempt at a hushed voice, she spoke... "I wish they weren't here then we could...snuggle."
"Anya..." Xander chided.
"What?"
"This is a serious situation. We can...snuggle later - if we're still alive."
"Why not now? This could be our last chance. If the Feyrdrakes want us or anything from us, we are dead. They'll probably drain our blood using their magic to keep us alive so that we can feel it and then they'll feed us to their pet demon or something."
"That's sooo comforting Anya." Willow said sarcastically.
"Oh, sorry." Anya said sheepishly. Willow was getting restless; she needed something to do, but what? She could dowse for the location of the Feyrdrakes, but if they really were the sorcerers everyone was making them out to be, then that might alert them to something. Then that would mean an investigation and that - that was bad. Willow groaned.
"Why do I have the distinct and disturbing feeling that I'm going to end up being the bait?" She asked herself quietly.
"What was that Willow?" Xander asked, arching an eyebrow inquisitively.
"Nothing, just thinking about how my Shakespearean Ideology homework isn't done yet and that if we don't solve this soon it never will be."
"Oh..." was all Xander said...
**
Spike put his game face on and proceeded to kick the door to the lair in. There was a very startled young vampire on the other side and Spike could sense two more beyond. Since he had surprised the first one, he decided to take advantage of the situation. He picked the blighter up and threw him into the wall.
"Feyrdrakes... Know 'em?" Spike inquired as he picked the fledgling up and held him up off the floor.
"N- no, n-not personally, but I heard they're in town."
"Where?"
"The abandoned mansion on Forest Road. They say that there are catacombs below it." Having gathered the information, Spike tossed the vamp to the ground and walked out, stepping over the rubble from the demolished door.
"Better find a new home or patch that up by morning mate, wouldn't want to greet the sunrise." Spike said with an evil laugh as he walked completely away from the house.
**
Across town, Buffy was having no such luck. Everyone was being tight lipped and the fact that she was the Slayer didn't seem to phase them. She decided to go to the cemetery and kick some vampire ass, that would make her feel better at least for a little bit. She was not disappointed, there were three newbies arising from fresh graves as she set foot inside the hedgerows...
Giles was going to the usual information sites and he was turning up very little that was useful. Everyone in the town, demons or not seemed to be very apprehensive about speaking of the cult. It didn't really surprise him; afterall the Feyrdrakes were very notorious for their... carnal ways. It didn't comfort him to know that they could be out there watching all of them and just waiting for their chance to pounce. Everyone seemed to know the Feyr were here, but no one knew why or wanted to. They just hoped that they weren't the focus of whatever plans the Feyr had in mind. Giles continued on his way hoping to find something... anything so long as it wasn't his foe...
**
Riley walked across the campus and into one of the buildings. True that most of the Initiative had been destroyed but there was still the one part of the complex, and he hoped that someone there would be able to tell him something, even if he had to bust the heads of his former colleagues to get it. He wasn't disappointed, he found a 'guard' standing outside the door.
"Riley, what are you doing here?" The man asked.
"Looking for some information."
"Why?"
"We have a group of very violent hostiles here in Sunnydale and I need to find out all I can about them to help the Slayer defeat them."
"Let us handle it."
"You'll get killed, these aren't the lightweights that you're used to. These guys mean business. The most notorious vampress of all times knew to keep out of their way."
"So why are you trying to get in it?"
"Because someone has to fight them."
"Who are they?"
"Feyrdrakes." The guard's eyes flashed with fear almost panic for a brief moment.
"Heard of them I take it."
"Just that they're brutal. You sure they're here?"
"Had someone id the symbol that was left behind. It was a positive one."
"Shit man. You still use your address?"
"Yeah why?"
"I'll send you whatever I can find out, if I can get to the files. Everything is still in lock down after the mess that happened."
"Yeah I figured. Thanks man."
"No problem. If they are here, you're right, even the Initiative wouldn't be enough, at least in its current condition."
"I just hope that the Slayer is." Riley sighed as he walked away. The guard watched Riley walk away. As soon as he was sure that he was gone, he walked down the corridor and pressed a panel in the wall, which slid open...
"Milord, we have a problem... There's a Slayer in town and they have a positive id on the symbol our minion left behind."
"Fix it."
"Yes sir."